Just when I thought I was over Marcus, he showed up at Ethan's pack. "Alyssa, we need to talk," he said, his voice cold. I followed him to a clearing, where he explained everything. He had been forced to reject me by his father, who wanted him to mate with the other woman for political reasons. He never wanted to hurt me, and he still loved me. I was torn. Could I trust him again?
I stared at Marcus, my mind racing. Could I believe him? Could I trust him after he had hurt me so much? "Why should I believe you?" I asked, my voice shaking. Marcus looked at me, his eyes pleading. "Because it's the truth, Alyssa. I never wanted to reject you. I love you, and I always have."
I felt a pang in my chest at his words, but I couldn't ignore the pain he had caused me. "Even if that's true, Marcus, how could you just walk away from me like that? You humiliated me in front of the whole pack," I said, my voice rising.
Marcus looked down, shame etched on his face. "I know, Alyssa. I was wrong. I should have fought for you, but I was scared. I didn't know what to do."
I looked at him, my heart heavy. Part of me wanted to forgive him, to believe that he had truly been forced to reject me. But another part of me couldn't forget the hurt he had caused me. "I don't know what to do, Marcus. I need time to think," I said, turning to leave.
Marcus reached out to touch my arm, but I flinched away. "Please, Alyssa. Give me another chance. I'll do anything to make it up to you," he pleaded.
I paused, looking back at him. "I need time, Marcus. I can't just forgive and forget. You hurt me deeply, and it's going to take more than words to make it right," I said, before walking away.
While walking back to Ethan's pack, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was in a difficult position. Marcus had hurt me, but he had also confessed his love and his regret. Would I be able to forgive him and give him another chance, or would I be better off without him?
As I walked into the pack's territory, Ethan noticed my troubled expression. "Is everything okay, Alyssa?" he asked, concern etched on his face.
"I just had a conversation with Marcus," I sighed. "He explained why he rejected me and said he still loves me."
Ethan's expression softened. "What do you want to do?"
"I don't know," I replied. "Part of me wants to forgive him and give him another chance, but the other part of me is scared he'll hurt me again."
"I understand," Ethan said. "But you won't be able to decide until you talk to him more. Have another conversation, and see how he responds. Then make your decision based on that."
I nodded, knowing he was right. "I'll do that. Thank you, Ethan."
Later that day, I found Marcus again. "Can we talk?" I asked him.
"Of course," he said, looking hopeful.
"I need to know if you're willing to make things right," I said, my voice firm.
"I am," he replied, his eyes searching for mine. "I know I messed up, but I'll do anything to make it right. Just tell me what you need. Just tell me."
"I need you to prove to me that you won't hurt me again," I said. "I need you to earn my trust back. Whichever way you want to do that let me know"
"I understand," he said. "And I'm willing to do whatever it takes."
I looked at him for a moment, contemplating my next move. "I need time to think," I finally said. "But I'll let you know when I'm ready."
"Okay," he said, disappointment evident in his voice. "I'll wait for you."
And with that, we parted ways. I still didn't know if I could forgive him, but at least now I knew that he was willing to try.
***
That night Ethan came back to me to have a discussion. I was outside gazing at the stars when he met me.
"Hey," Ethan said, coming up to me. "Mind if I join you?"
"Of course not," I replied, scooting over to make room for him.
We sat in silence for a few moments, just staring up at the sky. Then Ethan spoke up. "So, what happened to Marcus today?"
I took a deep breath. "He came to talk to me. He said that he was forced to reject me and that he never stopped loving me. He wants another chance."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "And what do you want?"
"I don't know," I said honestly. "I need time to think about it. I still love him, but he hurt me so badly."
Ethan nodded. "I understand. Just remember that you deserve to be with someone who won't hurt you like that."
"I know," I said, leaning my head on his shoulder. "But it's hard when you love someone so much."
Ethan put his arm around me. "I know, Alyssa. But you're strong. You'll make the right decision."
I smiled weakly. "Thanks, Ethan. I appreciate your support."
"Anytime," he said, squeezing me before we both fell into a comfortable silence again.
While we sat there in silence, I couldn't help but think about Marcus. Despite everything he had done, I still loved him. And hearing him confess his love for me only added to my confusion.
But I also knew that I couldn't ignore the pain he had caused me. It was a difficult decision to make, but I knew I had to put myself first.
"Ethan," I said, breaking the silence. "I've made a decision."
He turned to me, his expression serious. "What is it?"
"I can't just forgive and forget what Marcus did to me. It's going to take time for me to heal and figure out what I want," I said, taking a deep breath. "I don't think I can be with him right now."
Ethan nodded understandingly. "That's a brave decision, Alyssa. I'm proud of you for putting yourself first."
I smiled gratefully at him. "Thanks, Ethan. Your support means a lot to me."
"Of course," he said, giving me another hug. "Whatever you need, I'm here for you."
And at that moment, I knew that no matter what decision I made, I had a friend in Ethan who would always have my back.